Carnival this year will not be limited to the usual street parades and dances in Freedom Square, Valletta but will be packed with activities lasting late into the night.

Carnival 2009, which will be held between Friday and February 24, comes in the form of dancing parades, competitions and defiles at Freedom Square with the participation of King Carnival, bands and gigantic costumes.

The organisers have changed the format to make everyone feel part of the activities. This is reflected in the seating at Freedom Square. While in previous years it was closed off, this year passers-by will be able to watch the dance routines held there while those who prefer to watch the show close-up can still book seats.

The traditional game of Kukkanja, which dates back to the time of the Knights, will also be held, explained Education Minister Dolores Cristina.

During the Kukkanja, which was traditionally held on Monday, people have to climb up a slippery maypole to try and grab the prizes tied at the very top.

Street parties will also take place in several squares in Valletta, as well as in a number of towns and villages including Ħamrun, Qormi, Marsascala, Paola, Dingli, St Julians and Għaxaq.

On Saturday, the carnival activities will continue into the night transforming Valletta into a magical spectacle of costumes and colour.

Carnival Participants Association secretary Brian Bonnici explained that carnival was more than a hobby for the participants but was the fruit of hard sacrifice and work.